#1297
Mentioned in 19 episodes

The Death of Ivan Ilych

Book • 1886
The Death of Ivan Ilych, published in 1886, is a novella by Leo Tolstoy that delves into the existential crisis of its protagonist.

Ivan Ilych, a judge who has lived a life conforming to societal norms and expectations, is diagnosed with a terminal illness.

As his health deteriorates, he is forced to confront the emptiness and superficiality of his life.

The novella explores themes of mortality, the search for meaning, and the nature of authentic living.

Through Ivan's journey, Tolstoy poses critical questions about the purpose of life and the inevitability of death, prompting readers to reflect on their own existence and the values they uphold.

Despite the pain and fear associated with his illness, Ivan ultimately finds a sense of peace and understanding in his final moments.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 19 episodes

Mentioned by
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James Hollis
in relation to the story of Ivan Ilyich and his confrontation with mortality.
159 snips
Why Your Dreams Matter, How To Discover Your Purpose & The Question That Many Of Us Ignore At Our Peril with Dr James Hollis #540
Mentioned by
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Anjan Katta
as a book he recommends to start with.
118 snips
16: Anjan Katta - A Sunrise Over Computing
Mentioned by
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Dichen Lachman
during a conversation about themes explored in the show.
68 snips
S2E7: Chikhai Bardo (with Dichen Lachman and Jessica Lee Gagné)
Mentioned by
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Sam Harris
and
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George Saunders
during a discussion about Tolstoy's works and their impact on writing.
34 snips
#372 — Life & Work
Mentioned by
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Tyler Cowen
and
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Dana Gioia
as one of Tolstoy's greatest works.
31 snips
Dana Gioia on Becoming an Information Billionaire
Mentioned by
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James Hollis
as an example of a person who lived a life dictated by societal expectations, only to confront his mortality and question his choices.
31 snips
James Hollis: Jung, Fear, and the Journey to Self-Discovery
Mentioned by
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James Hollis
as an example of a story about a man who questions his life after a significant event.
31 snips
#598: Journeying From the First to the Second Half of Life
Mentioned by
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James Hollis
as an example of a character who achieves self-awareness at the end of his life.
26 snips
Episode 138: James Hollis
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Thomas Banks
teaches this book in his later modern literature class.
19 snips
Episode 288: Literary Milestones
Mentioned by
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Simon Critchley
in the context of Heidegger's discussion of death and its relation to the death of others.
Episode 11: Death
Discussed by
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Agnes Callard
and
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O. Henry
as a counterpart to *Master and Man*, highlighting the exploration of meaninglessness and the absence of answers in life.
Agnes Callard: what is the value of fiction?
Mentioned by
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Justin Smith-Ruiu
in reference to his novel 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich', which explores themes of mortality and the meaning of life.
A philosopher's psychedelic encounter with reality
Considered by
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Gordon Marino
as the greatest existential novel ever written.
#635: The Existentialist's Survival Guide
Mentioned by David Anders to illustrate a point about coming to faith late in life, referencing the character Ivan Illich.
Killing Jesus Again and Again?
Mentioned by a listener when discussing books that explore themes of death and the afterlife.
‘Severance’ Season 2, Episode 7 With ‘Lost’ Cocreator Damon Lindelof
Mentioned by
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John Connaughton
as a book that explores the life of a man facing a terminal illness and the lack of support from his family.
Private Equity Master 2:  John Connaughton – Bain Capital (Capital Allocators, EP.201)
Mentioned by
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Russ Roberts
as another story by Tolstoy, focusing on the disconnect between a character's self-perception and reality.
Richard Gunderman on Greed, Adam Smith, and Leo Tolstoy
Mentioned by
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David Anders
to illustrate a point about God's judgment and the possibility of last-minute repentance.
Only God is Timeless
Mentioned by
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Raya Kheirbek
as a book used in medical schools to encourage reflection on real-life scenarios.
Episode #14: Curisoity & Narrative Medicine - with Dr. Raya Kheirbek

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